Accident Tragic Selfie Mishap Claims Tourist’s Life in Thai Waterfall

[snoop1130]

Photo via Facebook/ แมวส้มมีของ

 

A Thai tourist met a tragic fate while attempting to capture a selfie at the picturesque Chan Ta Then Waterfall in Chon Buri, as he slipped and fell to his death. The accident unfolded on August 12, as families celebrated Mother’s Day across Thailand.

 

Rescue teams, alerted at 2:36 PM, faced a challenging trek to reach the accident site, located on the fourth tier of the waterfall, nestled within the Bang Phra sub-district of Si Racha. Although the distance from the first tier was just 1.5 kilometres, the path was perilous, fraught with steep and slippery rocks, demanding extreme caution as rescuers navigated their way with medical gear in tow.

 

By the time rescuers arrived, 55-year-old Daechathorn Thiantubtim had succumbed to his injuries. He had plunged from the fourth tier, striking his head fatally against a rock. His body was discovered face down in the water, marked by severe facial injuries and a broken right leg. Nearby, his mobile phone, still attached to a selfie stick, served as a haunting reminder of the day’s tragic events.

 

Rescuers from the Pure Yiang Tai Siracha Foundation undertook a painstaking two-hour operation to retrieve Daechathorn’s body, eventually transporting him to Laem Chabang Hospital, where an autopsy would take place.

 

Eyewitness and fellow tourist Setthapong recounted an earlier encounter with Daechathorn during his ascent up the waterfall. Daechathorn had advised Setthapong to abandon his climb, remarking that there was little of interest at the top. However, Setthapong continued his journey and later witnessed Daechathorn positioning himself for a selfie at the ill-fated location.

 

On his descent, Setthapong was met with an eerie silence, prompting him to investigate. It was then that he spotted Daechathorn’s backpack abandoned on the path, and further inspection revealed the unsettling sight of Daechathorn’s body lying at the waterfall's base.

 

This tragedy underscores the perilous allure of capturing the perfect photograph in potentially dangerous locales. Waterfalls, especially during the rainy season, can become particularly treacherous, their rocks rendered slippery by the flowing water.

 

Local authorities have frequently cautioned visitors about these risks, urging them to exercise caution and stay within designated paths where possible. However, in our selfie-driven era, the temptation to capture dramatic images often leads to a disregard for personal safety.

 

As tourism slowly rebounds in Thailand, prompted by relaxed travel restrictions, many popular sites are witnessing an influx of visitors eager to explore the country’s natural beauty. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the sometimes-unforeseen dangers that accompany such excursions.

 

Efforts to improve safety measures around high-risk areas have been ongoing, with proposals for additional signage and informational campaigns to educate tourists on recognising and avoiding potential hazards. However, incidents like this highlight the persistent challenge of managing tourism safely in areas of natural beauty.

 

The untimely death of Daechathorn Thiantubtim has left family and friends in mourning, as well as sparked a broader conversation about safety and personal responsibility in tourist hotspots. While technology allows us to capture and share our most cherished experiences, it's crucial to remember that no photograph is worth sacrificing personal safety.

 

Communities and authorities alike hope that such tragic incidents will serve as cautionary tales, prompting increased awareness and adherence to safety guidelines among local and international tourists venturing into Thailand's breathtaking but potentially dangerous natural wonders.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-13

 

[Will B Good]

 

"Don't go jumping waterfalls".......haven't listen to that in years.